During a visibly tense interview, Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou expressed discomfort over questions regarding his abstention from a vote concerning the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russians.
Journalist Caolan Robertson conducted the interview, sharing it on X with the remark “The masks have fallen,” noting that Panayiotou appeared to become irritated with the inquiries.
The conversation opened with Robertson asking, “Who funded your trip to Russia?” He referenced a former associate of Panayiotou, who has publicly regretted supporting him, claiming the MEP behaves like a “Russian agent.”
Panayiotou responded, “You’ve spoken to my most vocal critics in Cyprus,” as Robertson pressed further, pointing to Panayiotou’s social media activity that has been shared by Kremlin-aligned accounts, suggesting, “You’re an asset echoing their propaganda.”
“You’re promoting lies from an invading country,” Robertson contended, to which Panayiotou deflected by bringing up Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus.
Panayiotou stated, “With Turkey, we’re seeking resolution through dialogue. We must first stop the war, then diplomacy can follow,” and Robertson countered, “Traveling to Russia isn’t diplomacy.”
Robertson insisted, “I’m not discussing Turkey; you’re avoiding the questions,” while Panayiotou replied, “I appreciate this; it’s your right to critique me. Democracy allows for differing views. Seventy percent of Cypriots voted for me and favor normalized relations with Russia. Is aiming for diplomacy considered propaganda?”
Fidias has been amplifying insane Kremlin propaganda for months, so I confronted him.
🚨 He claimed abducted Ukrainian children are “happy” in Russia.
🚨 He dodged questions about promoting misinformation.
He became frustrated.
This is a moment of truth.
End of Segment
When asked why he hasn’t visited Ukraine if he champions democracy, Panayiotou admitted, “I want to, but honestly, I’m afraid my statements might upset some people.”
He reiterated the belief that “deeper issues” drive Russia’s invasion, saying, “Ukraine seeks NATO membership, which Russia perceives as a threat. I view this as a U.S.-led conflict,” prompting Robertson to dismiss it as “Russian nonsense.”
Panayiotou maintained, “Just because my opinions align with Kremlin statements doesn’t mean you can dismiss them.” Robertson persisted, “In Ukraine, it’s clear: children are abducted, homes are destroyed, and there’s an invasion. You can’t even discern who’s culpable.”
“What’s your proposal for resolution? Your approach isn’t effective,” Panayiotou replied.
When asked, “Why do you support the abduction of children from Ukraine?” referencing his abstention from a related European Parliament resolution, Panayiotou contended, “I believe they should come back. I did my research. We received reports from Zelensky’s site and a Yale study funded by the Biden administration, which I found untrustworthy. I abstained. Forty others did as well—are they all assets?”
Pushing the envelope further, Panayiotou suggested that some abducted children “might not wish to return,” leading Robertson to remark, “That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard.”
Panayiotou asserted, “I’ve done more research than most MEPs because I’m independent and not bound by party directives. That week, we voted on 500 items, dedicating only 1-2 hours to this debate. I have the right to make decisions based on limited time and resources. We’re both simply fulfilling our roles—fair enough,” he concluded.
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